US-based IBM has launched the retail integration framework, a service oriented architecture-based platform to allow users to manage customer data and process to improve delivery.

IBM said that the retail integration framework (RIF) delivery mechanism is based on open-standards to enable retailers to customize the customer-facing applications, data and processes to address specific business needs.

The new platform integrates products from its Websphere, Tivoli and DB2 information management lines, which have been enhanced by its acquisition of ISS and Watchfire, the company added. It also claimed that service oriented architecture is among the fastest-growing segments of the IT industry.

"Integration is one of the biggest problems facing retailers today," said Patrick Gibney, director of distribution sector solutions for software group at IBM. "We've found that many of our retail customers are using a services approach to address these integration issues."

The RIF also enables retailers to integrate applications from their business partners like SAP and Oracle at the customer locations. It also gives enterprises a governance structure to allow future implementations of different technologies to work together, IBM said.

The RIF is available as an extension of the company's store integration framework.